From the outside looking in, the story is already an interesting one. Young Oneida man, aged 25, undertakes ownership of long-standing community staple, Hidden Valley Driving Range. Yet, beneath the tangible traits, which were presented in part one of this story, there is a deeper narrative that guides the symbolism of the driving range and the motivation of its new ownership. John Danforth has much more than just hopes for a quick dollar and be-your-own-boss ambitions (though those traits are both firmly present) that drive him and his business.
This aspiration to go for something more was honed by the early life experience he had in the golf industry. John was told on many occasions that there is a process of waiting for opportunity, that building experience and taking that leap from entry-level status to mid- and career-level status is one that should be patiently anticipated. Yet, those shaky affirmations weren’t fulfilling enough.
“There’s money to be had if you’re that person that is willing to wait their turn. There’s nothing wrong with climbing the ladder, there’s no shame in that, there’s a lot of job security in that, and I don’t look down upon anyone who does want that lifestyle, where they work for someone else. In fact, I’ll need people like that. But spinning my wheels so long in golf courses around here, it becomes a tough pill to swallow to be told to wait your turn. At a certain point in my thinking, I had to say, 'to hell with all your rules, to hell with telling me to wait my turn.’ That’s such an empty promise to someone. Wait your turn.”
“I didn’t get burned but I felt the heat.”
Not only a passive symbol of leadership through his decision to go for his ambitions, but John is also interested in a more hands-on approach in bringing the Oneida community, and beyond, a hopeful mentality and a track towards optimistic action.
“I’ve never had anyone in my life looking at me and saying ‘You can’t do that!’ But I think there’s a lot of Oneida people who didn’t hear the right things enough. Like ‘yeah, you can do that.’”
“Hope. There’s got to be a way to give it to kids, even if they come from a home that doesn’t have any, even if they come from people who don’t have any. I don’t think I can save a thousand lives, yet I don’t want to be that person that says, ‘If I could just save one kids life, it’ll be worth it.’ Like nah dude, I want an army, I would love an army of kids that can look back and say I made a difference in their lives.”
To provide context, Oneida is not an area overflowing with dream-chasers. As one who was born and raised in Oneida, there are many people who are satisfied with a hamster-wheel existence. Potential for growth is present, yet not realized. Staying in Oneida for ones’ whole life is common. It is an area, in my humble opinion, which is in dire need of some intangible motivation and unconventional leadership. During our conversation, John agreed with those sentiments.
“I keep wondering what’s gonna be the catalyst that changes the minds of our people in general. For young adults and older adults to get on the same page. It’s almost like we are fighting ourselves. It’s disgusting. We spend more time cutting each other down than worrying about the bigger picture.”
John hopes to be that person that can make the impact he desires to see. “I do want the range to be part of the community. I do want to have an impact in, at least some, kids’ lives, to be a positive influence. I’ve even looked into teaching.” Whoa John, one thing at a time (kidding, of course).
It takes a lot of bravery to go against the grain and take a gamble on ones’ self in such a way that John decided to. Yet, with such admirable motivations to guide his business, career, and personal ventures, this story is one that is surely just beginning.
